A boost for downtown

Gov. David Paterson deserves a pat on the back for being able to see the forest for the trees.

Under pressure to veto any bill that might deepen the state's budget deficit, Paterson last year killed a proposal to sweeten tax credits for the renovation of historic buildings. Wednesday, Paterson could have done the same thing with a revised bill that limited the tax credits to distressed areas -- such as downtowns. But he took the long view and signed it, instead.

The bill will cost money in the short run, but supporters say it will be a boon to the economy over the longer term, rejuvenating downtowns like Syracuse's where older buildings are ripe for renovation. Robert Simpson, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Development Association, says several development projects in downtown Syracuse will be jump-started by the law.

The Legislature and the governor have done their jobs. Now it's up to the MDA, developers and city officials to turn their high hopes for renewed downtown activity into reality.